Completing a Greenway

March 20, 2014

A Keystone Fund grant made a greenway through the most beautiful section of the southern segment possible. The $58,000 grant was used to acquire two parcels of land north of the Parker Bridge in Perry Township to complete the Foxburg to Parker Rail Trail, which offers a scenic route for people of all ages.

The trail runs along the Allegheny River between Franklin and Emlenton. Funding was raised by local resources and the Allegeheny Valley Trails Association (AVTA), whose goal was to extend the economic, recreational, and environmental benefits of the trail system farther south between the communities of Foxburg and Parker.

The recreational trail is one of the major developments identified in the multi-municipal comprehensive plan that was adopted in 2002 by Foxburg, St. Petersburg, and Richland Townships. The project will not only provide recreation opportunities for local citizens, but also for travelers to the region. Because the trail follows the former railroad right-of-ways, it offers a flat, scenic walking or biking experience for users of all ages.

“We have raised $7 million in 17 years to build trails,” said Jim Holden, president of AVTA. “In 2006, our trail users report showed that we received $4 million back in one year, which is in an excellent return on our investment!”